misuse

[mis-yoos, mis-yooz]

noun

1. wrong or improper use; misapplication.

   Synonyms: misappropriation, misemployment

2. Obsolete.,  bad or abusive treatment.

verb (used with object)

misused, misusing 

1. to use wrongly or improperly; misapply.

2. to treat badly or abusively; maltreat.

misuse

noun

1. erroneous, improper, or unorthodox use

   misuse of words

2. cruel or inhumane treatment

verb

1. to use wrongly

2. to treat badly or harshly

3. to use (something, esp alcohol, drugs, etc) improperly

Word History and Origins

Origin of misuse¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; mis- ¹, use

Example Sentences

"Confidential market sensitive information appears to have been spun, leaked and misused - and markets, businesses and families have paid the price," he claimed.

Read more on BBC

In early 2025, Britain's General Pharmaceutical Council tightened restrictions on how online pharmacies can sell and prescribe the jabs in response to growing concerns about misuse, safety and supply shortages.

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The couple said they want to see federal AI regulation that promotes innovation, defends systems from misuse and protects “the privacy of conversations with AI.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A U.A.E. official said the country is committed to preventing misuse of its territory for illicit finance and was working with international partners to disrupt and deter it.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Hardy accused Anderson of seven counts of misusing her city position to create a personal benefit for herself.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• corruption 
• exploitation 
• harm 
• maltreatment 
• mistreatment www.thesaurus.com
• prostitution 
• squandering www.thesaurus.com
• waste